PhD fellowship in Fruit Science

PhD fellowship in Fruit Science

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, section of Crop Science invites applicants for a PhD fellowship in Crop Physiology in Pomology and Viticulture. The project is part of the research project “Emco Clim-Viti”, which is financed by Horizon Europe and cofounded by the Foundation Foreningen Plan Danmark.

Start date is (expected to be) 1. April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

The PhD student will be working on a recently funded project on crop physiology in grapevine and apple. The project is a part of an EU partnership project with partners in Belgium and Netherlands. Field trials will be made at the Pometum at Copenhagen University but also in living labs hosted by vine growers in Denmark. Agroecological methods are to be implemented and the effects on yield and quality components measured and evaluated.

Crop physiological measurements such as carbon balance and stomatal conductance are to be conducted and combined with yield components in order to explore the source-sink relationships and production potential in Danish conditions. Together with the partner in Netherlands a digital twin is developed which allows for simulation of effects of climate change on viticulture. With the partner in Belgium life cycle and sustainability assessments for viticulture in the emerging vine regions of Northern Europe will be made.

The production system in grape is based on a slim and tall leaf wall ensuring good light distribution and interception as well as ventilation. A system well adapted to the humid and light limited Danish conditions. The work in apple is based on a similar ‘2D Orchard’ system established in a running project at the Pometum. The PhD will dive deeper into the physiological benefits of the growing system in relation to yield and quality potentials.

Cultivars, rootstocks and pruning methods are important factors in the experimental setup.

The PhD student will be hosted in the Horticultural Science and Biotechnology research group, which focuses on high quality plants and plant products, fruit and berry physiology, quality improvement, postharvest and ethylene biology. Additionally, we integrate processing and wine production, and emerging technologies for organic fruit production. More information about the research group is available at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

The group is a part of the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Copenhagen. We are located at the Taastrup Campus near Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment. Our research facilities include modern laboratories and experimental orchard and vineyard areas as well as greenhouses and climate chambers.

• An MSc degree in agricultural science, or related disciplines
• Solid knowledge of whole plant and crop physiology especially with perennial fruiting plants
• Knowledge of agroecology, plant pathology and growing techniques related to sustainability within orchard systems.
• Good applied horticultural technical skills related to fruit growing and practical experimental experience with perennial plants.
• Knowledge and experience with winemaking including fruit wine
• Competence in data management and statistical analysis
• Good interpersonal skills, and experience with collaborative work.
• Experience with and interest in teaching and instruction is valued.
• Excellent English writing and speaking abilities.

• Professional qualifications relevant to the position
• Relevant publications
• Relevant work experience
• Other relevant professional activities
• Curious mind‑set with a strong interest in fruiting plants
• Good language skills

is Associate professor, Torben Bo Toldam-Andersen, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Section of Crop Science, E‑mail tbta.dk, direct Phone .